Introduction
Imagine the smell of freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen, the anticipation of a warm treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Today, I want to share with you my favorite recipe for traditional linzer cookies. These delicate and flavorful treats are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to afternoon snacks.
Creating the perfect linzer cookie is an art form that brings joy to both the baker and the lucky ones who get to taste them. The combination of almond flour, raspberry jam, and a hint of powdered sugar makes these cookies truly irresistible.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced baker looking for a new challenge, this linzer cookie recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a batch of cookies that are sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients to Gather
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s make sure we have all the ingredients we need to make these delectable linzer cookies. You’ll need almond flour, butter, powdered sugar, egg yolks, vanilla extract, lemon zest, all-purpose flour, raspberry jam, and a pinch of salt. These simple ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors in every bite of the cookie.
For a gluten-free version, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these delightful treats.
Remember, the quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the final outcome of your linzer cookies, so choose the best quality almond flour and raspberry jam you can find.
Now that we have everything we need, let’s get started on making these delicious linzer cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, and mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the almond flour, all-purpose flour, and salt to the mixture, and mix until a dough forms.
4. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Use a linzer cookie cutter to cut out the cookies, making sure to cut a small hole in the center of half of them.
8. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Let the cookies cool completely before spreading raspberry jam on the whole cookies and topping them with the ones with a hole in the center.
Decorative Touches and Serving
Once your linzer cookies are assembled, you can sprinkle them with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them the perfect addition to any dessert table or gift box.
For a fun twist, you can experiment with different shapes and sizes of linzer cookie cutters to create a variety of designs. Let your creativity shine as you decorate these cookies with intricate patterns and shapes.
These linzer cookies are best enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee, allowing the flavors of almond and raspberry to mingle on your taste buds. Share them with loved ones during the holidays or keep a batch on hand for a sweet treat anytime.
Pro Tips
For a festive touch, you can use different flavors of jam such as apricot or strawberry to fill the linzer cookies, adding a pop of color and flavor to your cookie platter.
If you’re making these cookies with kids, involve them in the decorating process by letting them sprinkle the powdered sugar or assemble the cookies with jam. It’s a fun and engaging activity that the whole family can enjoy together.
Remember to store your linzer cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and preserve their delicate texture. These cookies also make wonderful gifts for friends and neighbors, spreading joy and sweetness wherever they go.
Troubleshooting
If your linzer cookie dough is too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for a bit longer to firm up before rolling it out. Alternatively, you can add a sprinkle of flour while rolling out the dough to prevent sticking.
If your cookies are browning too quickly in the oven, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent them from darkening too much on top while still allowing them to cook through.
Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes and sizes to create a variety of linzer cookies that cater to different preferences and occasions. The possibilities are endless, so have fun exploring new designs and flavor combinations.
How to Make Linzer Cookies
Delightfully delicate and flavorful linzer cookies filled with raspberry jam, coated with powdered sugar, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup raspberry jam
- A pinch of salt
Directions
-
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, and mix until well combined.
-
Gradually add the almond flour, all-purpose flour, and salt to the mixture, and mix until a dough forms.
-
Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
-
Use a linzer cookie cutter to cut out the cookies, making sure to cut a small hole in the center of half of them.
-
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
-
Let the cookies cool completely before spreading raspberry jam on the whole cookies and topping them with the ones with a hole in the center.
-
Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a decorative finish.
